Fifth of March in Spain ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Fifth of March in Spain and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Fifth of March in Spain and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The Fifth of March is a national holiday in Spain that commemorates the day when Christopher Columbus first set foot on the Americas in 1492. The holiday is also known as Día de la Raza, or Day of the Race, which celebrates the Hispanic and Latino heritage of the Spanish-speaking world.
In 1492, Christopher Columbus was sailing under the flag of the Kingdom of Castile and Leon, seeking a westward route to the Indies. On October 12th, he spotted land in the Bahamas and made landfall on an island he named San Salvador.
Although Columbus is celebrated as a hero in Spain, he is also a controversial figure. For many indigenous people in the Americas, Columbus represents the beginning of centuries of oppression and exploitation. In recent years, there have been calls to change the name of the holiday to Día de la Resistencia Indígena, or Day of Indigenous Resistance.
Despite the controversy, the Fifth of March remains a day of celebration in Spain. Festivities typically include parades, music, and food from all over the Hispanic world.